Thursday, October 6, 2011

Grammar 101 with Mrs. Mullican

To say that I spend my day swimming in grammar is an understatement.  It's literally what I do all day for 8 months of the year.  Since my school has Reading and Language Arts as separate classes, I seriously spend my entire year teaching grammar. 

With that being said, I think it's sad how many grammar rules adults have forgotten over the years.  I see it on facebook and in blogs allllllll the time.  Don't get me wrong, I have my share of typos, but rarely will you see a grammar mistake come from me. 

So in light of my frustration, I thought I'd help you brush up on some basic grammar rules (Emily, this is my ode to your etiquette post - haha):

1- The difference between "I" and "me".  I see this when people are writing captions for pictures ALL the time.  For example- someone will write "Johnny and I" under a picture.  That is INCORRECT!  It should be, "me and Johnny".  Here's how you know the difference: take the other person out.  Under a picture of just yourself, you would not say "I".  You would say, "me".  That doesn't change just because Johnny is in the picture with you!  However, you WOULD say "Johnny and I went to the store."  Because if Johnny wasn't there, you would say "I went to the store".  Taking the other person out of the equation will ALWAYS tell you when to use "I" or "Me"!

2- your vs. you're, their vs. there vs. they're, and it's vs. its. 
These are not the same things!
  • "Your" is when you own something (or have a relationship with something).  It's possessive.  Ex: This is your phone.
  • "You're" is a contraction for "You are".  Ex: You're mad at me.
  • "Their" is when several people own something (or have a relationship with something).  It's possessive.  Ex: That is their house.
  • "There" usually tells you a direction.  Ex: Their house is over there.
  • "They're" is a contraction for "They are".  Ex:They're coming over.
  • "Its" shows ownership or relationship.  Ex:That cat ate its dinner.
  • "It's" is a contraction for "it is".  Ex: It's great to see you!

3-LOL.  I'm a fan of text talk.  Trust me.  But not outside of.....you guessed it....texting.   And even when I'm texting, I never "LOL".  Wanna know why?  I'm not 16.  And if you're not 16, you probably shouldn't do it, either.  My biggest pet peeve?  So called "professional" emails that contain "LOL".  No one takes you seriously when you do that.  Just stop.  A simple "haha" will do.

4. Apostrophes.  These little guys can be a booger!  Here are the basic rules:
  • Singular noun (doesn't matter what it ends with) - add an apostrophe and an "s".  Ex: dog - dog's  Gus - Gus's (I know it looks funny - but it's right!)
  • Plural noun not ending in "s" - add an apostrophe and an "s".  Ex: Men - men's
  • Plural noun ending with "s" - just add an apostrophe.  Ex: wives - wives'
Anything you have a question about?  Chances are, I probably know.  I'm a dork like that.  And if I don't know, I'll find out for you.  ;) 
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2 comments:

Amanda said...

Girl, this has to be one of my favorite blog posts you've written! I am what I like to refer to as "a grammar and spelling nazi" :o) Although, I am HORRIBLE at using LOL. I'm totally one of those that writes it in emails coming from my work email address. Now you're going to keep me on my toes about that!!! I have a friend in Michigan that absolutely HATES "LOL" so I always think of her when I'm on Facebook and type out "LOL". ;o)

Emily said...

i waaaaaay overuse "haha" my dad is an avid blog reader and one time he asked me what "haha" meant. i don't actually laugh when i type it and i never laugh where i'd say ha-ha! i just always use it b/c i worry ppl won't understand my tone is meant to be joking instead of serious...sarcasm is tough to display in blogging ;) i am NOT as hardcore with grammar as you are but a little fact about me is that i used to ADORE editing and actually thought about becoming an editor for awhile ;)